[TheForge] Re: Flatbelt excitement

[Mike Spencer]

garrickp> Make a clutch system that transfers power when the load
garrickp> shaft is rotating slower or equal to the power shaft, and
garrickp> disconnects when the load starts rotating faster than the
garrickp> power. (See an engine starter or gas powered hobby car's
garrickp> clutch for practical applications)

I think that would require engineering and millwrighting beyound my
skill or means.  The clutch would have to go in and out once each rev
at 900 RPM.  (It may well be that 900 RPM on a flat belt is a Bad
Thing, however.  I should look up the ft/s numbers for the belting.)

garrickp> Alternately, modify your hammer's balance so there's a
garrickp> constant load instead of assymetrical load.

I've wondered why they didn't go with a counterbalanced flywheel at
the factory.  Perhaps they figured that, with a massive electric motor
and a gear drive, it was unnecessary extra weight.  I don't think
I'd attempt that mod except as a last resort (which is still far
away).  It would involve drilling holes in the gear/flywheel and
bolting on a couple or three hundred pounds of lead.

Thanks for keeping me thinking, though.  About 3/4 done with the
garden planting.  Puff puff.

- Mike

-- 
Michael Spencer                  Nova Scotia, Canada       .~. 
                                                           /V\ 
mspencer at tallships.ca                                     /( )\
http://home.tallships.ca/mspencer/                        ^^-^^